MCLA Names Dr. Christopher Himes as Jorge Endowed Chair

2014-02-20

NORTH ADAMS, MASS. - Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has announced it has appointed STEM (Science, Technology, Education and Math) Program Manager Christopher Himes, Ph.D., as the Evelyn H. and Arlindo Jorge Endowed Chair in the Education Department.

Himes specializes in evolutionary biology and science education, as well as examining how science is taught and public understanding of science. In this tenure track position within MCLA's Department of Education, Himes will focus on science education.

"We have a very strong education department that's been training area teachers for a very long time," Himes said. "MCLA will continue to enhance the training of our next generation of teachers for our public school districts as the state looks to adopt new science standards, which will transform science and engineering as taught in our public school systems."

According to Himes, the careers of the future will rely on training in the STEM disciplines.

"To stay competitive as a community, we really need to up our understanding and applications of science and math, particularly in K to 12 and through college."

This semester, he will continue to teach "Case Studies in Science," which is part of the College's core curriculum. The course looks at the interface between science, social and political issues. Beginning next fall, he will teach classes within the Department of Education, including methods-based courses that will include the best practices for teaching science.

In addition to his new position within the education department, Himes will continue his work as the STEM program manager, a position he has held since 2011,which includes integrating STEM outreach and STEM initiatives throughout Berkshire County.

Himes earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts-Boston, and his Ph.D. from the University of Washington. He also served post-doctoral fellowships at Williams College and the University of New Mexico, where he received training on educational practices at the college level.